DiskTree / Support

A little help with your tree.

DiskTree is a native macOS app in development. These notes cover saved snapshots, branch refreshes and deliberate cleanup. There is no public download currently linked from this site.

Start with your saved tree

Opening DiskTree loads the local index. Browsing Tree, Biggest or using the query CLI does not start a new scan. For a new index, use Scan this Mac or choose a folder or drive.

Missing folders or unexpected totals?

Hidden folders are included unless excluded by a scan rule. macOS can deny access to protected folders; inspect Scan coverage and your Full Disk Access settings if needed. DiskTree labels unavailable areas instead of treating them as fully scanned.

Allocated disk-space estimates and logical file sizes can differ on APFS. Shared storage, compression, hard links and cloud placeholders mean an item’s displayed size is not always the amount deleting it would free.

Quick scan or full rescan?

A quick scan enumerates the chosen branch, measures new files and reuses sizes for exact existing paths. It can miss growth at an existing path. Use Full rescan this branch to remeasure its contents. The rest of the saved tree is retained. A quick scan of the root still enumerates the whole scope.

Growth schedules

Enable a schedule and choose its branches, time and day. Scheduled work runs while the app is open. A run may pause because of your battery policy or a manual pause. A disconnected volume cannot be refreshed; reconnect it and retain the saved observation until then.

Nothing is deleted automatically

Review exact paths in Cleanup review before approving a Trash operation. Investigate duplicates before removing them. Folders and hard-linked file cleanup use Finder. Keep backups of anything you cannot replace.

Appearance and navigation

The appearance picker has Leaf, Theme, Background and Trunk options. These change how the saved tree looks without rescanning it. Use breadcrumbs to go back, pin useful branches and adjust the item slider when you want a smaller view. Unlimited is the default for the folder tree.

Get in touch

Contact Zach about DiskTree. Include the app version, macOS version and what you were trying to do. Describe the error before sending files; scan databases, screenshots and diagnostic logs can contain private filenames and paths. Redact anything you do not want to share.